More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A festive event held at Kent's biggest shopping centre has been cancelled as coronavirus cases continue to rise across the county.
Bluewater bosses have announced they have been forced to shut their Winterland attraction due to fears about the spread of the killer illness.
The Greenhithe shopping centre was advised to close yesterday as latest figures show the total number of positive Covid-19 tests in Kent and Medway has more than doubled in the space of a month.
A message on its website reads: "In reaction to rising Covid cases in the region, we have been advised to close our Winterland attraction until further notice.
"We are sorry that guests will be inconvenienced but the health and safety of everyone is our number one priority.
"Anyone with booked tickets will be contacted by a representative of the event to make alternative arrangements, please be patient as the team respond to these changes."
The total tally of the county's cases for the entire pandemic was 24,112 on November 13. By December 13, this had rocketed by 128% to 54,998.
Winterland, which opened at the start of the month, had been advertised as an outdoor event offering guests the opportunity to enjoy festive-themed attractions and rides, including bumper cars and a carousel.
The experience, which was held outside The Village near Zizzi, was originally set to run until Christmas Eve.
The Government fears a new mutant strain of coronavirus, said to have originated in Kent, is responsible for the surge in cases.
Ministers met last night to discuss whether to impose tougher restrictions on the county. They may include restrictions on travel or banning people from commuting in and out of London.
This comes as a Winter Wonderland event at Detling Showground, Maidstone, descended into chaos last night as dozens of families were turned away after they were trapped in four-hour-long queues.
